This op-ed by Nic Dunn of Sutherland Institute was published by Washington Examiner on 03/25/2024.
I’ll never forget what a formerly homeless man in Salt Lake City once told me when I asked him what kinds of government policies would be most helpful to him and others experiencing homelessness: “I just want a hand up, not a handout.”
His earnest desire to work to earn his success rather than simply be given more generous benefits has stayed with me. It is a reminder of a fundamental policy principle: Work is important not just for upward mobility but also for human dignity.
Too often, our federal anti-poverty efforts don’t reflect that. It’s time for a change, and Congress should look to Utah.